Mattana Thai Massage is a home-based studio in Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North, at 29 Meridian Grove. The owner, Mattana Khwanyao, trained in Thai therapeutic massage at the Watpo Traditional Medical School in Bangkok in 2010, and holds a Thai Massage Aromatherapy certificate. The studio offers traditional Thai massage, a version that combines Thai massage with Thai oil and stretching, and a hot aroma oil massage for the scalp, neck, shoulders, back, legs, hands and feet. Sessions run from 30 minutes to two and a half hours. Bookings are made through a form on the website, and gift cards are available.
Customers describe relief from sore backs and shoulders, and one says years of stiffness eased within two treatments, which let them return to sport. Several praise the owner as skilled, professional and attentive, and one visits every Monday. Some come across town for it and say the drive is worth it. The studio is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 8 pm, and other times can be arranged. Working from home keeps the treatments private and quiet, which suits people who want one practitioner to look after them. It is our pick in Kelvin Grove for a Thai massage that takes its time.